Bhavya Rehani MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Pamela Whitney Schaefer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ramon Gilberto Gonzalez MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Vinil Shah, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Javier Mauricio Romero MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Otto Rapalino MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David Andrew Rosman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Advisory Board, UnitedHealth Group

Garry Choy MD, MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

There are substantial unmet imaging needs for vulnerable and crisis affected populations. Our aim was to survey radiologists across developing countries in Asia, Europe and South America to assess their imaging needs and find out what in their opinion are the most effective ways to improve imaging in their respective countries.  

A standardized questionnaire containing 11 questions was sent to radiologists in 18 developing countries across the world. Radiologists from 10 countries responded (response rate=55%). These include Sri Lanka, Thailand, Costa Rica, Belarus, Serbia, Macedonia, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Slovenia. Some questions addressed the overall status of radiology in their countries and focused on potential shortages of radiologists, residency positions and medical physicists, while others focused on effective solutions to problems they face everyday.  

Survey results indicated that most of the countries (90%), need to establish more radiology residency training positions. For improving knowledge in radiology, 100% thought online teaching modules would be most effective, and 30% believed onsite teaching workshops would help. 60% of radiologists (95% CI being 47.6 to 72.4%) believed that humanitarian “second opinion” teleradiology would be valuable in more than 50% of their cases, while 40% (95% CI being 27.6 to 52.4%) believed that a second opinion would be needed in less than 50% of their cases. 100% believed that the subspecialty in which they feel most deficient is neuroradiology with musculoskeletal imaging and pediatric imaging being the second and third most highly ranked choices. Only 60% (95% CI being 47.6 to 72.4%) had access to a medical physicist and most believed that they need education in radiation safety and dose reduction. Other practical questions focused on image transfer, organizational development and informatics. 

This survey helps radiologists around the world communicate the imaging needs in their respective countries and how can they be met. This survey can help radiologists who want to reach out in their humanitarian efforts to improve imaging around the world. 

Global outreach programs can use this survey to determine more effective ways of improving radiology in developing countries.

Rehani, B, Schaefer, P, Gonzalez, R, Shah, V, Romero, J, Rapalino, O, Rosman, D, Choy, G, Making Imaging around the World Better: Global Survey of Radiologists in 10 Countries .  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13027448.html